A dreamer and an even-minded thinker.

I refuse to pretend our relationship has been all easy dreaming. I invite you into this space of the raw honesty of two messy people learning how to honor and love one another in Christ. I first met Austin when I began working at Camp Beechpoint a few summers ago. I immediately noticed his steady yet adventurous spirit, his servant-leadership manner, his loyalty to Christ and his family, and his hard work ethic. His confidence in the Lord stood out to me. He felt different than other men to me. If you would like the full details of how me and Austin fell in love, I would love to go out to coffee with you and give you a testimony of all the Lord has done in both our hearts. It has not been a "traditional" journey, but as Austin always says, we wouldn't be where we are now without it. We believe the Lord has so intentionally placed our lives together. Austin has always been trustworthy and honest with me. One challenge he has so patiently helped me press into is "You cannot make any decision based on fear." There were so many moments throughout our relationship when I struggled to fully know the will of God for us, and was afraid to commit in case it wasn't. Through it all, Austin was there for me, took responsibility for his actions, lovingly corrected me when I was wrong, and pushed me to look through Christ's perspective. This leading and love from Austin is a reminder to me of the leading and love of Christ in my life. The longing I have to be loved and united to Austin is an ever-present reminder that this relationship is a new way to experience the longing I have for Christ Jesus. Will you plead to the Lord with us, for us? That we would not attempt to stand in the center of our relationship, but that Christ would remain centric. That we would constantly consider the other's perspective. That we would not forget the Lord who is leading us to this moment.

Well if she's the dreamer, I guess that makes me the thinker. To be honest, I did think about Hannah a lot. When I first met Hannah I thought that she was absolutely beautiful. (I also thought that she was engaged because of a promise ring that she wore, but I quickly discovered through some covert conversing that that was not the case). The more I knew Hannah the more I was attracted to her fun, energetic personality, and her deep desire to know and serve God. I think that I knew pretty early on in our relationship that Hannah was the one God had for me. I only had to wait for Hannah to come to the same understanding. Now, don't let me fool you into thinking that I was "Mr. Confidence" because I was terrified that my strong feelings wouldn't be reciprocated, and so I was often hesitant to communicate them. But I just sensed God telling me, "Trust me! If Hannah is the person I have for you, then I will make it work." So I began to work on removing the fear built up in my mind. It wasn't always easy, but I can honestly say that it has strengthened my faith. I am so privileged to marry Hannah. She encourages when I am feeling tired and pessimistic, she helps me see different perspectives, and she draws me out of my thoughts and into a crazy adventurous life.